Wearing a Hat While Preaching?

Have you ever sat in church and watched a man step up to the pulpit wearing a hat or a cap? Maybe it didn’t seem like a big deal—just a fashion choice, a comfort thing, or maybe just how he was raised. But there’s a verse in the Bible that speaks directly to it… and most people simply ignore it.

“Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.” (1 Corinthians 11:4)

Let that sink in. A man who prays or preaches with his head covered dishonors his head. And according to 1 Corinthians 11:3, the head of every man is Christ. So Paul is saying that when a man covers his physical head while speaking or praying in a spiritual setting, he’s symbolically covering Christ—disgracing the One who is his authority and his glory.

If a man is called to preach, and he’s asked to preach, then he should have already spent time in the Word. It would be difficult to believe he hasn’t read this verse. And if he has read it, but still chooses to ignore it—then the real question becomes: what else is he ignoring?

But isn’t that just cultural? That’s what many will say. But Paul doesn’t root this in Corinthian fashion—he roots it in creation order and spiritual truth.

“For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God…” (1 Corinthians 11:7)

This wasn’t about style—it was about reflecting God’s glory. And when a man stands to preach or pray, he’s stepping into a moment of representing Christ to others. Paul uses the word “prophesy,” but Scripture tells us exactly what that means:

“The one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation.” (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Sounds a lot like preaching, doesn’t it?

If you are speaking God’s Word to God’s people under the Spirit’s leading—you are, in the biblical sense, prophesying. And Paul says you should not have your head covered when doing it.

So why do some preachers still wear hats?

That’s the uncomfortable part. Some haven’t been taught. Others brush it off as outdated. And sadly, some just don’t think it matters. They’ll say, “That’s just not how I was raised,” as if tradition gets the final say. But the Bible warns us:

“You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.” (Mark 7:9)

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition… rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s not ignorance. It’s pride. We like what’s comfortable. We don’t want to be corrected. We’d rather do what’s familiar than what’s biblical.

Obedience isn’t legalism—it’s love. Jesus said:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

That includes the ones we’re tempted to skip over. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Selective obedience is self-serving faith—it says, “I’ll follow God as long as I agree with Him.”

But real love for Christ shows up in the little things. Even in whether we’re willing to take a hat off when standing before Him.

It’s not about the hat—it’s about the honor. If you’re a man called to preach, pray, or lead in any setting… don’t just speak the Word—live it out. Take off the hat. Uncover your head. Show the world, the church, and the spiritual realm that Christ is your Head, and you are under His authority.

This isn’t about style. This is about honor.
And God still cares about that.

“Wearing a Hat While Preaching? One Verse They Ignore.”
Now you’ve read it. What will you do with it?

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)